When a band announces a hiatus, it’s often just a period of rest. The rigor of touring and recording can be overbearingly intense, and sometimes a break is necessary to keep the art fresh and the chemistry natural.
With new release Enterprising Sidewalks, Lorelei, a Washington indie rock three-piece from the early Slumberland Records era, have put out its first album since 1994’s Everyone Must Touch The Stove, a gap that seems both astonishing and little bit fortuitous. However, Lorelei attests that its recent resurgence has been brewing for quite a few years, despite this extended hiatus.
“When [guitarist] Matt [Dingee] moved back to D.C. in 2006 after being on the West Coast for 10 years, we decided to do some local shows for kicks,” said drummer Davis White. “There was new material as early as the first practice, so at the very least we expected to put out a 7″. Although a part-time project – owing to careers, life, marriages and kids – we were unexpectedly able to develop 11 songs we were happy with.”
Maturity has rendered Lorelei a different and perhaps stronger band. It may include the same three guys from 1994, but they’ve grown up and embraced their evolved understanding of what makes a good rock ‘n’ roll song.
“The 21-year-old version of me liked to make every guitar part challenging, both to me and the listener,” said Dingee. “The old guy version of me likes a bit more space, both for the sound and for giving myself a chance to breathe and really try to sing.”
When Lorelei performs at the Black Cat tomorrow night in honor of its first album release in nearly 18 years, it will be fascinating to see how the new songs mesh with the old, given the group’s extended break and minimal touring. But no matter what, Dingee promises a special and individualized experience.
“Musically, [bassist] Stephen [Gardner] and Davis provide the bedrock and I provide the color,” he said. “On a few tracks we have the freedom to improvise a bit. But we arrive at each gig with a plan to make that gig unique and we stick to that plan.”
Lorelei will play at the Black Cat in Washington on tomorrow. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 9 p.m.
essner@umdbk.com
